What is the main purpose of CPT codes?

The main purpose of CPT codes is to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures. These codes provide a standardized system that allows healthcare providers to uniformly document and communicate the services rendered to patients. This standardization is critical for various stakeholders, including providers, insurers, and regulatory agencies, as it ensures clarity and consistency in the reporting of healthcare services.

CPT codes facilitate billing and reimbursement processes, allowing insurers to understand exactly what services were provided. However, their primary role is not just for billing purposes; rather, it lies in the accurate representation of the patient's encounters with the healthcare system. This helps in clinical documentation, facilitating continuity of care and ensuring that providers can communicate effectively about patient care.

In summary, CPT codes serve as a precise language for medical services, enabling healthcare professionals to capture and convey the specifics of care provided, making option B the most accurate and relevant answer.